Tips for family and friends of people with bowel cancer

The person with bowel cancer is not the only one affected. Family members and friends are also influenced by changes in their loved one's health.

Here are some tips to help family and friends cope with a loved one's diagnosis:

• Feel free to ask the doctor questions if you accompany your loved one to his or her appointments.
• Be prepared for changes in your loved one's behaviour and mood. Medications, discomforts and stress can cause your loved one to become depressed or angry.
• Encourage your loved one to be active and independent as much as possible, to help him or her regain a sense of self-reliance and confidence.
• Be realistic about your own needs. Make sure you are sleeping enough, eating properly, and taking some time off for yourself. It is hard to offer much help when you are exhausted.
• Do not hesitate to ask other family members and friends for help. They will appreciate the opportunity.

Family members and friends of a person coping with bowel cancer may also find themselves under a great deal of stress. To reduce your stress:

• Keep a positive attitude.
• Accept that there are events you cannot control.
• Be assertive instead of aggressive. "Assert" your feelings, opinions or beliefs instead of becoming angry, combative or passive.
• Learn to relax.
• Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when you are physically fit.
• Eat well-balanced meals.
• Rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
• Do not rely on alcohol or drugs to reduce stress.